roadmap for a setback...
I'm back again, and I guess I knew it would happen. I finished the program in December, feeling confident and in control (was that a mistake?). I kept up on the website but felt out of place so gradually stopped logging on. Slowly, minor events here and there, kids on spring break, elderly relatives not doing very well; back sliding on old habits, and the gradual slide becomes a free fall. Last night was the wake up call, and I mean that literally since I hardly slept, that I need a refresher. I'm not where I was when I started, but I am thinking negatively, catastrophizing, over analyzing, perfectionism, and stuck in my old pattern of hypochondria. That is my achilles heel more than anything else. I agree that I use it as a distraction to keep from thinking about what is really bothering me, but why do I pick something so unpleasant? Why can't I distract myself with video games or even heavy drinking? I shouldn't trivialize it but still why waste all my precious time worrying about dying and forgetting to live. I realized recently that when I'm deep in hypochondria I'm not really living, I'm just not dying. Anyhow, theres the problem. The solution: start journaling again; clean up the diet; watch the coaching video; get a physical; exercise more. The program is right about everything and when you backslide on the principles, you pay for it. The great part is I'll never be where I was because now I have the cure so to speak. The trick is keeping up with it. It should be a no-brainer but I guess old habits die hard.
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Guest
Hi tweaky!
Hang in there. You are right - this is a process...and a continuing one! It reminds me of how alcoholics who are recovered don't stop calling themselves alcholoics...they usually say "recovering alcoholic" indicating that they are aware that they have a problem that, while under control, needs to be watched and nurtured throughout life. We are kind of the same way...it's easy to slip back into those old negative habits...even when we KNOW that they aren't good for us. At least you do have the background of this program to help you...and everyone in here. Please don't feel like you are out of place...we're all in various stages of recovery and growth...and we can all relate on one level or another!
Best things to you!
Blessings,
Dawn
Hang in there. You are right - this is a process...and a continuing one! It reminds me of how alcoholics who are recovered don't stop calling themselves alcholoics...they usually say "recovering alcoholic" indicating that they are aware that they have a problem that, while under control, needs to be watched and nurtured throughout life. We are kind of the same way...it's easy to slip back into those old negative habits...even when we KNOW that they aren't good for us. At least you do have the background of this program to help you...and everyone in here. Please don't feel like you are out of place...we're all in various stages of recovery and growth...and we can all relate on one level or another!
Best things to you!
Blessings,
Dawn